Last Saturday I had the extreme honor of photographing a very close friends party in honor of her mom. My girlfriend Steph and her two sisters threw a celebration for their mom who is dying of breast cancer. What I loved about this…is that her mom Barbara or “Babs” her nickname wanted this celebration of her life..wanted to see her family + friends one last time..and so in earnest in just a few short weeks the planning ensued. They sent out a lovely invitation titled “Ta – Ta for Now.” And with everyone’s help the party came together..a close friend of Steph’s did all the flowers, family brought so much food that the table was overflowing with delicious bites to eat, music was playing, drinks were served and as the day approached…family + friends from all over the country flew in to show their love for Babs on this very special day. There was so much laughter and yes there were tears…but the laughter and the love is what I will remember most about this day. You could feel the love for this woman radiating from everyone…what an honor it was to be a part of such a very special occasion for a dear friend.
Just this past Tuesday, three days after this celebration..Babs passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side..
Slideshow of Bab’s celebration, please turn your speakers up.
my sweet friend Steph
the three sisters with mom
some sweet moments with Bab’s and Steph’s Dad
Steph and her husband Chad
From left to right: Heidi who did the beautiful flowers, Steph, myself and Kristen
towards the end of the party, everyone had a balloon and in honor of Babs everyone stood in a circle and let them go..it was a beautiful sight.
13 Comments
These are amazing shots Erin~ Love the emotions you captured, and I love all the detail shots!
Oh Erin~ I just read the very last part of your post, I am very sorry to hear that she passed away~ It looks like she was very happy and had alot of Love surrounding her~
Erin –
I don’t know if you remember me. You came and shadowed me on an NILMDTS session. I’ve been keeping up with your blog since then and LOVE your pictures!! This story was AMAZING! I can’t believe how incredible it is that she was able to see all her friends and family only 3 short days before her passing. This just touched my heart. Thank you so much for sharing this and these beautiful images! You have such a talent!
Celeste
Erin, it looked like an amazing celebration. It choked me up and brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts are with you.
I’m sorry to hear of Bab’s passing.
Her friends and family will always treasure your photographs. They are beautiful! What a wonderful way to celebrate her life!
Great work Erin – very touching.
I don’t even remember how I came to find your blog, but oh my……..tears are just streaming down my face. What a wonderful gift you gave this family, and how wonderful that they had this celebration for their beautiful mother and friend. I lost my own mother to cancer nearly six years ago and then my father 51 weeks to the day after her, and how I long to have had something like this to hold on to. The only blessing was that my sister’s and I were all three by her side, and the rest of our family too, for her last three days. She, Babs, was a completely beautiful woman that is evident by her contagious smile and sparkling eyes. My sincere sympathy goes out to her family, the three daughters..just like my sisters and I. Time will heal, but it does take a long time. What a tremendous blessing you gave to them. I am sure it was difficult to hold back your own tears. Thank you for sharing this
Erin,
I just wanted to thank you for all your help and friendship towards Danee and Howard at their wedding. I came over to your site to see her bridals and found this touching story of your friends beautiful mom.
When they say a picture is worth a thousand words it is sooooo true. You have captured a novel of a beautiful celebration. Thank you for sharing this.
Debi Hansen
Just by chance I’ve read your blog today…I can say with tears in my eyes that your sharing this has touched me deeply. Thank you.
Wow. I’m speechless. What an amazing way to celebrate a life while the person is still living. My heart goes out to her family.
this is the most beautiful story told by your amazing photos i think i’ve ever seen… she was obviously loved so much…i’m sure this day meant the world to her and her family and they will now have your photos to remember her by. xo, jenny
Amazing pictures! Amazing story. I am going to add it to my blog with a story…
Thank you for sharing… I was wondering what I would want should this ever happen.
This is the most beautiful story ~ and your photography was amazing. Thank you for sharing this ~ so inspiring. What a comforting gift for her family ~ and a beautiful tribute to someone who was clearly an amazing woman.